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Risk factors aggravating your allergic rhinitis
Did you know that 10-20% of the Indian population suffers from allergic rhinitis? (Source: (NCBI) The National Center for Biotechnology Information)
According to the Times of India, the cases of allergic rhinitis have spiralled in the last two decades. Between managing the symptoms and getting stable treatment, you tend to stay unaware of the risk factors that can aggravate your allergies. So, let’s learn more about the same.
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What is allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is an allergic reaction to allergens, which are small normally harmless particles in the air. When you inhale allergens through your nose or mouth, your body identifies them as intruders and responds by generating histamine, a natural molecule to attack these intruders.
What makes allergic rhinitis different from non-allergic rhinitis?
Infectious rhinitis, also known as the common cold, is not the same as allergic rhinitis.
A range of indoor and outdoor irritants can cause allergic rhinitis. The most common allergens that can induce rhinitis are dust mites, animal skin, urine, and saliva.
Non-allergic rhinitis is caused by exposure to particular triggers, such as fragrances or certain drugs; some people get this illness as a result of underlying health issues. Swelling, face pain, sneezing and the release of more fluid than usual are all symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis. The most common cause of non-allergic rhinitis is a viral infection, but other factors like medications, spicy food etc can also play a role.
Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms
When you come into contact with an allergen, you'll usually notice one or more of the symptoms that are comparable to eczema, such as abnormally dry, itchy skin that can blister and weep. Some symptoms, such as frequent headaches and exhaustion, may appear after long-term allergen exposure.
Allergic Rhinitis Causes
Allergic Rhinitisis caused by a variety of indoor and outdoor allergens. Dust mites, mould spores, as well as animal skin, urine, and saliva, are the most prevalent allergens that can cause rhinitis.
Different Types of Rhinitis
Seasonal and perennial are two major kinds of allergic rhinitis,
- Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Spring, summer, and fall are the most common seasons for seasonal allergic rhinitis. It is mostly caused by pollen from grass, trees, weeds, plants, and outdoor moulds that are pollinated by the wind
- Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
Perennial allergic rhinitis can strike at any time of year. Things found inside, such as dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, or indoor mould, are frequently the source of symptoms.
Risk factors aggravating your allergic rhinitis
Air pollution: According to NCBI environmental factors, such as air pollution, are one of the main reasons for the increased prevalence of allergic rhinitis in India. Increased exposure to high levels of oxides, black smoke, nitrogen and ozone canincrease your allergic rhinitis symptoms as well. Wearing an anti-pollution mask can help you deal with the effects of air pollution on your condition.
Indoor allergens: House dust, dust mites and pet dander are some of the most common indoor allergens. Exposure to these indoor allergens is a cause of perennial allergic rhinitis. If more than one of these indoor allergens is present in your house, it makes your children vulnerable to allergies.
Work environment: If you constantly have the sniffles and it doesn’t seem to stop at your workplace, chances are your work environment may be aggravating your allergies. Working at a cosmetics factory producing perfumes, aerosols or hairsprays can trigger your symptoms. Industries producing cleaning products, air fresheners and exhaust fumes can also trigger your allergies. It's critical to recognise occupational rhinitis because, if left untreated, it can lead to permanent asthma.
Health problems: Certain medical conditions can also aggravate your allergic rhinitis like:
- Asthma: Multiple studies prove a strong association between asthma and how it triggers your allergies. As per NCBI, out of the 20% of the population that suffers from allergic rhinitis, 15% of them end up developing asthma. Similarly having asthma also aggravates your allergies. Allergens that trigger your asthma can also trigger your allergic episodes.
- Eczema: Your skin dries out often if you have a skin condition like eczema. This makes it easier for the germs and the allergens to seep in your body and aggravate your allergies.
- Lifestyle and diet choices: Active and passive smoking is one of the biggest lifestyle choices that trigger your allergies. Other than that, histamine-rich foods such as caffeine or alcohol can also aggravate your symptoms.
- Genetic: According to NCBI, having a family history of atopic diseases is the strongest risk factor for developing allergic symptoms. It’s assumed that genetic diseases aren’t modifiable and there’s nothing you can do to dodge them.
Our homeopathic doctors can help detect whether your child has inherited it and guide you further to provide holistic, cost-effective and side-effect free treatment for allergic rhinitis with homeopathy if need be.
Is it possible to prevent allergic rhinitis?
No it is not possible to prevent allergic rhinitis however; there are several things you can do to help prevent the symptoms.
- Keeping the windows shut. This is particularly crucial during pollen-heavy seasons.
- Wash your hands after petting animals.
- Using bedding and mattress covers that are dust and mite proof.
- Outside, you should wear glasses to safeguard your eyes.
Before going to bed, take a shower to remove irritants from your hair and skin.
Is rhinitis harmful to a pregnant woman?
According to NCBI around one-third of women of reproductive age suffer from allergic rhinitis. The symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis are frequently more severe than an ordinary case some of the symptoms are severe nasal blockage, increased blood flow, sneezing, sleep disturbance and itching.
Allergic rhinitis can have serious consequences for both the mother and the infant. It might cause sleep disturbances, which can make it difficult for the baby to acquire all of the oxygen he or she requires to develop.
If you're pregnant and experiencing allergic rhinitis symptoms and signs including excessive snoring, or waking up frequently at night, see your doctor
Allergic Rhinitis in Babies
Rhinitis is an allergic reaction affecting the eyes, nose, and throat. It happens when allergens in the air cause the body to release histamine. Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal or persistent all year. In most cases, your child's doctor will make a diagnosis based on a thorough medical history and physical examination.
During the examination, your child's doctor may discover: Dark circles, creases around the eyes and swollen tissue inside the nose. You can help prevent the allergic rhinitis symptomsby protecting your child's environment, such as by turning on the air conditioner during pollen season, keepsyour babies away from dust, mites, or mould. Additionally, keeping your child away from pets is a good idea.
Allergic rhinitis can affect your daily life
Living with allergic rhinitis symptoms might make it difficult to function in daily life. When lying down, nasal problems can worsen.This may make it difficult for you to get a good night's sleep. Fatigue and headaches might make it difficult to concentrate at school or at work.
Homeopathic treatments are available to help you manage your symptoms. As soon as you notice that your symptoms are growing worse or are becoming difficult to manage, consult your doctor. He or she can assist you in devising a strategy for managing them so that they do not interfere with your ability to live a normal life.
Homeopathy Treatment Allergic Rhinitis
Since allergic rhinitis is an immunity-related ailment, homeopathic remedy for allergic rhinitis focuses on balancing your immune system. This ensures that you get long-lasting relief with the least amount of recurrences. Rhinitis treatment in homeopathy comprises of medicines made from natural substances and is side-effect free. This makes it the best alternative for your children as well.
According to NCBI,51 allergic rhinitis patients were assessed and provided individualised homeopathic treatment. The reduction in their mean symptom score was 28% as compared to placebo which was only 3%.
Homeopathy is known for its gentle, painless and natural treatment for long-term healing, homoeopathy focuses on treating the problem's fundamental cause, and homoeopathic treatment builds immunity and gives systematic relief.
At Dr Batra’s® Healthcare, our homeopathic specialists evaluate your condition, family and medical history closely before providing customized Homeopathy treatment.
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